I figure there are threads out there already, but I got nada when searching (kinda limiting with the serach length requirements, etc) so my apologies if I'm dead-horsing this. Also, if this needs to go OT, then that's fine.

Anyway, say the 335 did not exist, but you had the same money ($45k-$50k) and timeline that you had when you purchased your car...what would you have considered or purchased? Likewise, if you are pissed at your car right now (lag...cough cough lag...cough), what might you consider as an alternative if switching? I swear, I am coming up with basically zero good choices when running them through my head.

G37 - not the end of the world but raspy unrefinement and cheapy bits aren't appealing. I also hate my local Infinity dealership.

C300 - I hate this car and think it drives like a pig and a joke and not in the same league as the 335, and no manual (edit, apparently it does come in a manual?).

IS350 - again, doesn't feel in the same league to me, and it beeps and cries when you drive it hard, and it's not a manual gearbox. Hell, even the IS-F is slower than a 135i.

A4/A5 - Not a bad car, but a little booring a weak compared to the 335. More of a 328 competitor in my book.

S4 - Now we're getting there but you can't GET a new S4 except for the OLD car in cabrio form ($$$ for an outgoing car?!)

S5 - Probably my next closest choice, but comparably equipped it seems close to $10,000 more.

TL Type S (AWD) - as scary as it is for me to say, I swear this would be my main contender right now. God knows it's ugly, and the steering is "Acura Sloppy"...so hell, maybe this isn't even a choice either.

I really like the C63 (I know, no manual, but it's a great auto), but by the time you put one or two option packs on it, you're talking $12,000 more than the 335 and nudging into M3 territory which opens up a whole new debate.

Same can be said for the new CTS-V regarding the price making it a stretch for a fair comparo.

I feel like the only good alternative, which isn't even that fair, is looking for a 1 year old CPO C63 or M3.

Edited my mistakes for the nomenclature, etc. Lol, I was thinking of the model names at the time I was shopping for my car last year

Surprised abut the C350 article above. From what I've read and driven, they are just DOGS compared to the (even laggy) 335.

A lot of recommendations for the S4, but, as I mentioned it's not even AVAILABLE right now, and when it will be, the damn thing will likely be what, $55-$60? Otherwise, it would probably be my new #1 choice, giving up some grunt of the C63 for AWD and a better interior.

Interesting about the G8. I know that, in reality, with my eyes closed, it really isn't a bad car. But...when my eyes open...it's still a be-scooped, be-flared, be-ugly Pontiac.

G8 GXP is the best bang for the buck you can get in 4 doors. This will flat out smoke an E90 in every category except prestige factor. Keep in mind that it is really a Holden and not some stupid Pontiac.